Skoda Superb Estate Pre Model Elegance 2.0 TDI CR (140bhp) 4x4 DSG 5dr Car Review - March 2012

A four cylinder diesel engine delivers a reasonable amount of power with a top speed of 125 mph. Acceleration is reasonable, with the car reaching 0-62 mph in 10.8 seconds thanks to an impressive power output of 138 bhp (140 ps).

As a diesel car, efficiency is expected to be high and this model achieves 44.8 mpg on a combined cycle, which is considerably higher than the petrol model but lower than the Skoda Superb Estate SE 2.0 TDI CR. Carbon emissions are some of the highest for the range at 166 g/km and this means road tax will be fairly steep, falling into tax band H.

In terms of noise efficiency, the Skoda does a good job of eliminating sound from the wind and road. Suspension can be a little noisy on rough surfaces, but this shouldn’t be too disruptive.

Handling is fairly comfortable, although at lower speeds the car occasionally feels a little unstable and the estate is most at home on motorways where cruising speeds are matched to its performance.

This estate car looks attractive and this trim level offers a wide selection of in-car kit, offering buyers all the luxuries they are likely to want.

Standard equipment which is provided with this model includes power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors, leather seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in sat nav and an advanced stereo system with CD and MP3 connectivity.

Safety credentials are high in this model with the car achieving the full five star rating in the NCAP crash tests for overall safety. An advanced safety kit is fitted to the car as standard with driver, passenger and front side airbags included alongside an immobiliser and alarm.

The quality of the interior is high and the instruments feel strong and resilient whilst looking stylish. The car is known for its reliability and this means that buyers should feel confident with their car, especially with a three year warranty for 60,000 miles.

In terms of comfort, the car offers plenty of space for both passengers and cargo and the boot boasts an impressive storage capacity of 633 litres even when the seats are in place. Folding the rear seats down expands this available space to 1,865 and there is plenty of seat adjustment to help occupants get comfortable. Drivers also get the benefit of a wide range of movement and adjustment in the steering column and this means driving positions should be comfortable.

The arrangement of internal instruments is logical and this makes operating controls whilst driving easy.

Priced at £27,970 this model is considerably more expensive when compared to others in the range and the lacklustre performance credentials and lower efficiency than other diesel models mean that this cost can be considered an unjustified expense.

Whilst the fuel economy of 44.8 mpg is better than the petrol model, this car is stung with high running costs through insurance premiums, which fall under insurance group 20, and road tax costs which fall under band H, due to carbon emissions of 166 g/km. Those interested in economic value should therefore go for the Skoda Superb Estate SE 2.0 TDI CR instead.